Jarek Steele

To try to understand what led to the turmoil in Ferguson, the staff of Left Bank Books turned to what they know best: Books.

“To show up and protest and show some support in the community at the time is one thing, and that is a really important first step, is to show your face — show up,” said Jarek Steele, co-owner of Left Bank Books. “But an equally important second step is to find out how to continue the discussion after the news media leaves and after the protests.”

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: June 20, 2008 - Left Bank Books, one of the few remaining independent booksellers in the country and a local landmark at the corner of Euclid and McPherson avenues in the Central West End, is making moves toward establishing a second store downtown.